Comparison between the diagnostic yield of tissue Xpert MTB/Rif assay and culture in pleural tuberculosis patients

Conclusion: Usually multiple tests are required to diagnose pleural tuberculosis. This increases the cost per patient and often there is a delay in diagnosis. Sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/Rif assay scores high, hence escalating speed of diagnosis and imparts significant impact on patients’ outcome as it also gives status of drug resistance early. Xpert MTB/Rif assay is a potential game changer in diagnosing pleural tuberculosis.
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Interventional pulmonology Source Type: research